After5, Music Fest Welcome Party, First Friday, Paddle Battle, Art in the Garden, Free Cupcakes, Derby Parties Cinco de Mayo & More Things to Do This Weekend (5/2)

We’re crossing our fingers for clear skies this weekend as there’s plenty to do! Don’t miss beauty deals and specials, Lovin’ Life Music Fest, a pop-up market, free cupcakes, a Kentucky Derby watch party, Cinco de Mayo celebrations, and much more.

THINGS TO DO THIS THURSDAY, MAY 2

JUST US GIRLS Savings Event at Graper Harper Cosmetic Surgery
April 29 – May 3
The JUST US GIRLS Savings Event at Graper Harper Cosmetic Surgery runs from Monday, April 29 through Friday, May 3, 2024, where you will receive special savings on their top non-surgical treatments and services. Visit here for the list of discounts, and be sure to call 704-375-7111 to purchase and schedule your appointment today!

Image: Girl Tribe Co.

Charlotte Give Back Collab
On Monday, April 29, 2024, our hometown of Charlotte, NC lost one member of the U.S. Marshal Service, two NC Dept of Adult Corrections officers, and one CMPD officer in a deadly shooting. There are no words to express our sorrow for these families who have experienced such a profound loss, and we stand with these Charlotte brands to bring awareness and support to them. We have each designed a limited edition tee, which we will be giving 100% of the proceeds to the families of the victims, via organization FRAG.

Lovin’ Life Music Fest Welcome Party at Sycamore Brewing
Thursday, May 2, 5p – 12a
Kick off the Lovin’ Life Music Fest with a bang at the Sycamore welcome party. Event features: Bacardi cocktails, live music by Dean Peterson from 5-8 p.m., live DJ from 8-11 p.m., a photo booth and a festival ticket giveaway.

Image: SouthPark CLT

SouthPark After 5
Thursday, May 2, 5 – 9p
SouthPark After 5 is back! This free entertainment series brings live music, food trucks and drinks, hands-on art experiences, and tons of family fun every Thursday until May 28. This weekend, SHELLEY RUFFIN “The Sounds of Memphis” will take the stage with along with free a coloring station with The Broken Crayon from 5pm-sunset. The event is located at Symphony Park, at 4400 Sharon Rd., on the corner of Barclay Downs Drive and Carnegie Boulevard, adjacent to SouthPark Mall.

Image: ASCG

Anne Springs Close Greenway Summer Concert Series
Thursday, May 2, 6 – 9p
Anne Springs Close Greenway summer concert series has returned! Every Thursday, from now until July, come to the Comporium Amphitheater at the Dairy Barn entrance for the sights, the flavors and the sounds of summer. Bring a chair or blanket to relax, and come hungry as the Gateway Canteen’s food truck will be there. This Thursday, Terence Young Project will be performing.

Save 25% on all books at Mint Museum Stores and online with code: BOOK SALE.

THINGS TO DO THIS FRIDAY, MAY 3

Image: Lovin’ Life Music Fest

Lovin’ Life Music Fest
May 3 – 5
A new music festival is coming to Charlotte featuring an impressive lineup and is already sold out of several ticket types. Listen to over 40 local and national artists performing live across three stages. The multi-genre festival lineup in Uptown will include popular artists like Post Malone, Noah Kahan and Stevie Nicks.

Image: Urban District Market

First Friday Fest Pop-Up Market at Urban District Market
Friday, May 3, 4 – 8p
Ready to shop local? Maker’s Market will host a pop-up market at the Urban District Patio patio and courtyard the first Friday of the month. Enjoy International foods, refreshing drinks, and live music as you shop and support local vendors.

Image: South End CLT

South End First Friday Gallery Crawl
Friday, May 3, 5 – 9p
Stroll the streets of one of Charlotte’s artsiest neighborhoods and enjoy local art in all forms including galleries, murals and installations. Make a night of it with dinner or drinks at one of South End’s many restaurants and breweries.

Rally for Mental Health Celebrity Paddle Battle Presented by Novant Health
Friday, May 3, 5:30p
Love a good party? Want to help those in need? Come see the pro’s in action, enjoy a fun night out, and provide critical mental health services to our community. Note: celebrities will not be available for autographs at this event.

THINGS TO DO THIS SATURDAY, MAY 4

Image: Mint Museum

Charlotte Garden Club’s annual Art in the Garden Tour
Saturday, May 4, 10a – 4p
Charlotte Garden Club’s annual Art in the Garden Tour returns! The two-day self-guided tour explores seven private gardens. Located in neighborhoods from Eastover to Ballantyne, each garden showcases its unique blend of garden designs. Attendees can walk through carefully curated gardens at their own pace. Advance tickets are $40 for non-members. 

Image: Fort Mill Food Blog

15th Annual South Carolina Strawberry Festival
Saturday, May 4, 10a – 10p
Strawberry lovers, rejoice! The 15th Annual South Carolina Strawberry Festival is happening in Fort Mill this Saturday. Come out to support local while enjoying activities such as fun rides, games, a car show, live music, and of course, all things strawberries!

Kings Drive Art Walk
May 4 – 5
Held along the Little Sugar Creek Greenway, a reclaimed natural waterway between East Morehead Street and Pearle Park Way Bridge along Kings Drive with a focus on fine and emerging artists, this spring festival on this beautiful and easily accessible venue is an annual fine arts outing. The KDAW festival is located on the King’s Drive section of the Little Sugar Creek Greenway, a beautiful public space that is open to all in the community.

  • Saturday, May 4, 2024 11:00 am – 6:00 pm
  • Sunday, May 5, 2024 11:00 am – 5:00 pm
Image: South End CLT

FREE Cupcakes at SWIRL Dessert Bar’s 5th Anniversary Party
Saturday, May 4, 2 – 11p
Celebrate SWIRL Dessert Bar’s 5th year being open by joining them for a FREE Cupcake! (no purchase necessary, one cupcake per person).

Image: South End CLT

Kentucky Derby Watch Party at Dram & Draught
Saturday, May 4, 3 – 8p
Come celebrate with Dram & Draught, sip on Mint Juleps and other Derby inspired cocktails, and enjoy the lively atmosphere on Derby Day. Wear your most Derby dress and hat to be entered in the best dressed competition. There will also be a DJ and amazing raffle prizes.

18th Annual Rhapsody in Red Charity Ball for American Red Cross
Saturday, May 4
New Venue Alert!! This year’s event will be at The Ballantyne Hotel at 10000 Ballantyne Commons Pkwy. This event is black tie optional, so dress up in your finest and celebrate with the American Red Cross. There will be a plated dinner, beer and wine, as well as our live and silent auctions. The Extraordinaires will return this year to keep you entertained and dancing the night away. Tickets HERE: $150pp

THINGS TO DO THIS SUNDAY, MAY 5

Image: Charlotte Regional Farmers Market

40th Birthday Celebration for the Charlotte Regional Farmers Market
Sunday, May 5, 11a – 3p
The Charlotte Regional Farmers Market is turning 40 and they want you to help them celebrate! Enjoy some free strawberry ice cream provided by Riverbend Creamery & Dairy Farm and strawberry cake baked by our various vendors. You can also bring your favorite strawberry dish and recipe to enter in the strawberry recipe contest! For the adults, they’ll have local breweries, meaderies, distilleries, and wineries on site sampling their drinks and pairing them with different cheeses. Plus much more!

Image: Reid’s

Cinco De Mayo at Reid’s Fine Foods SouthPark
April 29 – May 5
Enjoy Brisket Quesadillas, Pulled Pork Tacos, and Mango Margaritas specials available all week (April 29-May 5) at Reid’s SouthPark.

Cinco “dias” de Mayo at State of Confusion
May 1-5
State of Confusion is offering five days of specials including $10 barrio tacos, Micheladas & Margaritas Beer Specials and more.

Image: SouthPark CLT

Cinco De Mayo Celebration at Symphony Park
Sunday, May 5, 12 – 6p
Head to Symphony Park for the ultimate Cinco De Mayo celebration! Expect International acts and festive music by renown artists, acts by local bands featuring Mariachi music, Latin Reggae, Mexican Cumbia, and Electronic-Banda fusion music, an arts and crafts area for kids, an Instagram worthy photo booth, and a dog costume contest.

Hello Huntersville Music & Arts Festival
Sunday, May 5, 1 – 6p
Hello Huntersville is an art and music festival that highlights local/regional area artist and musicians.  Listen to live music while supporting local artists, food & beverage vendors. This event is FREE to the public.

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